Allergies Flashcards
What does the term hypersensitivity describe?
The antigen specific responses that are either inappropriate or excessive, and result in harm to host
What mechanisms underlie the hypersensitivity immune responses?
Those employed by the host to fight infections
What are the common features of hypersensitivity responses?
Sensitisation phase
Effector phase
What happens in the sensitisation phase of a hypersensitivity response?
First encounter with antigen
What happens in the effector phase of a hypersensitivity response?
Clinical pathology upon re-exposure to same antigen
What are the types of hypersensitivity reactions?
Type I, or immediate
Type II, or antibody mediated
Type III, or immune complex mediated
Type IV, or cell mediated
How quick is the onset of type I hypersensitivity reactions?
<30 minutes
What are type I hypersensitivity reactions also known as?
Allergies
What are type I hypersensitivity reactions a response to?
Environmental non-infectious agents (allergens)
What molecule do type I hypersensitivity reactions involve?
IgE
When is the onset of type II hypersensitivity reactions?
5-12hrs
What are type II hypersensitivity reactions a response to?
Non-soluble tissue antigens
What molecule do type II hypersensitivity reactions involve?
IgG
When is the onset of type III hypersensitivity reactions?
3-8hrs
What are type III hypersensitivity reactions a response to?
Soluble antigens
When is the onset of type IV hypersensitivity reactions?
24-48hrs
What is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction a response to?
Environmental infectious agents and self antigens
What kind of diseases are type IV hypersensitivity reactions?
Autoimmune diseases
What is happening to the worldwide prevalence of allergies?
It is increasing
How does the incidence of allergy in the UK compare to other countries?
It is in the top 3 countries with the highest incidence of allergy
What % of children in the UK have an allergy?
> 50%
How many <45 year olds have 2 or more allergies in the UK?
13 million
What proportion of children have a peanut allergy in the UK?
1 in 50
How much do allergies cost per year in primary care in the UK?
£900 million
What is the development of allergy thought to be affected by?
A mixture of genetics and environmental factors
What phenotype often present as non-allergic?
TH1
What phenotype often presents as allergic?
TH2
How is geographical location related to allergy?
Those from developing countries tend to have less allergies, and those from westernised countries tend to have more allergies
Why do people from developing countries tend to have less allergies?
Large family sizes Rural homes, lifestock Intestinal microflora variable/transient Low antibiotic use High helminths burden Poor sanitation, high orofecal burden
Why do those from westernised countries tend to have more allergies?
Small family size Affluent, urban homes Intestinal microflora stable High antibiotic use Low or absent helminths burden Good sanitation, low orofecal burden
What are the common allergies?
House dust mite, cockroaches Animals Tree and grass pollen Insect venom Medicines Chemicals Foods
What animals are people commonly allergic too?
Domestic pets such as cats and dogs
What insect venoms are people commonly allergic too?
Those contained in wasp and bee stings
Give an example of medicines people are commonly allergic too
The antibiotic penicillin
Give an example of a chemical people are often allergic too
Latex
What foods can people be allergic too?
Milk Eggs Wheat Peanuts Tree nuts Seafood
What should be considered with people with allergies?
People with allergies can often have cross-reactions with other associated allergens
What are hypersensitivity reactions caused by?
Activation of mast cells through IgE dependant mechanisms